Zendaya’s sexy tennis movie is a total blast

In the new film “Challengers,” director Luca Guadagnino pulls off a clever trick. The Italian filmmaker (“Call Me By Your Name,” “A Bigger Splash”) has made one of the most sensual, moving and downright erotic films in recent memory – all without featuring a single sex scene.

Instead of releasing the film’s pent-up carnal tension in the bedroom, the lustful energy explodes on the tennis court, where Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor grunt, moan and scream their way through the one of the most exaggerated events. -the best entertaining films of the year.

“Challengers” trailer

The film begins with tennis coach Tashi (Zendaya) planning the next moves for her star client and husband, Art (Faist). Before a word is spoken, the couple’s power dynamic is immediately evident, as Tashi imperiously approves of the print ads (centering) and chases away the couple’s child while Art looks on sadly.

Art is in crisis, so Tashi puts him in a low-level “Challengers” tournament in New Rochelle, New York. (In fact, “Challengers” was filmed in the Boston area, with the tennis courts at Wheaton College standing in for Westchester County.) There, Art comes face to face with Patrick, a washed-up pro with whom he has a relationship. history.

Tashi and Art share luxury suites, while Patrick lives in his car. But 13 years ago, the trio were all on the same path to tennis stardom – and were also part of a love triangle that went in all three directions.

An early flashback shows Art and Patrick, amateur doubles champions and best friends, as they first discover Tashi, a Serena Williams-like phenom.

Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s camera matches Patrick and Art’s point of view as she lingers on her figure, watching her intently as she fusses with her tennis skirt. Once she hits the court, however, she becomes a pillar of strength: her legs, ogled moments earlier, ripple with intensity as Tashi pulverizes her opponent, capping each point with a primal scream.

Guadagnino has never shied away from depicting sexual obsession in his films. In 2017’s “Call Me By Your Name,” Timothee Chalamet sniffs Armie Hammer’s swimsuit and does things to a peach that even Jim from “American Pie” might find questionable.

“Challengers” is never that explicit, but it’s just as unsubtle. Each interaction – whether an argument or a date – plays out like a game of tennis, with the camera bouncing back and forth as if observing a particularly vigorous gathering.

Meanwhile, every game of tennis plays out like a no-holds-barred one-night stand. The camera looks from below the court at Art and Patrick’s legs, then moves to the inside of the tennis ball, then becomes a single drop in a cascade of sweat. It’s ridiculous – and ridiculously fun.

All three leads give exceptional performances, but O’Connor particularly shines. Patrick profited from his family’s money, his innate athleticism and his hangdog charm for decades. After swiping on Hinge for a free dinner and possible evening accommodation, you can see at a glance why his date is falling for him.

Faist is the more reserved and analytical of the two, which initially gets him the girl of his dreams. But his weakness becomes apparent as the film progresses, much to the disgust of his alpha wife.

“Challengers” asks you to buy into its soap opera machinations and softcore provocations. If you’re locked in, that’s great. But it won’t be for everyone. Ditto for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ aggressive, direct score, which often drowns out dialogue with stabbing synths and pulsing techno beats.

There are also clips from the film set like Isner and Mahut, the infamous 2010 Wimbledon match that lasted over 11 hours. After the fifth time a character ends an interaction with a slower-than-slow walk, you will check your watch.

But just when your interest begins to fade, “Challengers” teases you with a look, a swing, a sigh. And just like that, you’re back. Game. Together. Match.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)

“Challengers” is playing in theaters nationwide.